Matildas veteran Kyah Simon returns to Sydney FC
Matildas striker Kyah Simon will hope a return to Sydney FC will allow her to get back to her goal-scoring best.
Simon has joined the Sky Blues for the upcoming A-League Women (ALW) campaign, after spending last season at Central Coast, for a third stint, after last playing there in 2017.
The 33-year-old is hungry for silverware with the ALW powerhouse, who have won back-to-back premierships and championships.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’ve always felt a deep connection with Sydney FC, winning is in the club’s DNA and is one of the main reasons for me returning,” Simon said in a statement.
“I’m excited to contribute to what is already a strong team.
“It’s quite nostalgic being back in Sky Blue and I’m looking forward to our season getting underway.”
Former Julie Dolan Medallist Simon has won three ALW championships - two with Sydney, one with Melbourne City - and two premierships with the Sky Blues.
With more than 100 Matildas caps to her name, 2010 Asian Cup winner Simon has a glittering resume, playing at two Olympics and scoring at both the 2011 and 2015 Women’s World Cup.
But she famously didn’t play a minute of last year’s Women’s World Cup campaign after being contentiously selected off the back of an ACL tear.
It took the striker time to build fitness at the Mariners last year but she ultimately scored three goals and helped them reach a semi-final.
Simon provides a fresh attacking option for the Sky Blues and coach Ante Juric after Matildas winger Cortnee Vine departed in the off-season.
“Kyah is one of Australia’s finest footballers, and bringing her back to Sydney FC is a huge boost for us,” Juric said.
“She made her name here, and her experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team this season.
“She knows what it means to wear this badge, and her passion for the game will lift everyone around her.”
Simon and Juric both emphasised the importance of helping the league gain momentum.
“The World Cup showed how much potential this sport has, and it’s up to us - players, coaches, and fans - to keep driving it forward,” Juric said.
“Kyah’s signing will help do that and we need the Sydney public to get behind this team and keep showing their support for women’s football.”
Sydney start their campaign away to Central Coast on Saturday November 2.
